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News Release - Manitoba

PREMIER GATHERING PLAYERS FOR 'TEAM MANITOBA' PUSH FOR AMAZON'S SECOND NORTH AMERICAN HEADQUARTERS

Premier Brian Pallister wants a ‘Team Manitoba’ effort to make Winnipeg the home of Amazon’s second North American headquarters.

On Thursday, the Seattle-based company disclosed that it is seeking proposals from throughout North America to be the site of what it calls ‘HQ2’. The company says it will invest US$5 billion to develop the new site, which will house as many as 50,000 workers in more than eight million square feet of space within a decade. The site will be a “full equal” to the company’s current Seattle headquarters.

“Amazon HQ2 will bring billions of dollars in up-front and ongoing investments, and tens of thousands of high-paying jobs,” said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO.

Today Pallister said he is aware of Amazon’s request for proposals and that Manitoba will be working hard to be the home of HQ2.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Winnipeg and Manitoba,” the premier said. “With our central location in North America, our transportation infrastructure, our well-educated workforce, our plentiful green energy and the lowest cost of doing business in the continent, Winnipeg is the best choice to be the home of Amazon’s HQ2. I have reached out to Mayor Brian Bowman and look forward to working with him, the business community and all other stakeholders to make this great opportunity a reality.”

“Winnipeg’s geographic position in the centre of the country, history as a multi-modal hub, and advanced technology and manufacturing expertise makes it the perfect location for Amazon. By partnering with the province and key stakeholders, we will present a unified proposal for this significant opportunity,” said Mayor Brian Bowman, City of Winnipeg.

“This will be a Team Manitoba effort!” said the premier.

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For more information:

Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.